Marine cuts would 'undermine UK security'

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Reports say the government is considering cutting up to 2,000 marines

Cutting the number of Royal Marines and the ships they use to carry out beach landings would significantly undermine UK security, MPs have warned.

There is speculation the government is considering axing up to 2,000 marines and the Royal Navy’s two specialist landing ships in a security review.

But a Commons Defence Select Committee report said such cuts would be “militarily illiterate”.

A MoD spokesman said “protecting the UK will always be our priority”.

The Tory-led committee’s strongly worded report – called Sunset for the Royal Marines? – warns the rumoured cuts would weaken one of Britain’s elite fighting forces.

“Given the disproportionate contribution the Royal Marines make to defence and the sheer range and versatility of their military skills, both they and the country’s security would be significantly undermined,” they said.

They also said slashing its two amphibious assault ships HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark – used to carry out beach landings – would “put the interests of this country at serious risk”.